How Motherhood Changes Us

Published: Oct. 13, 2021, 8 a.m.

b'Becoming a mother changes everything about us. Literally: the very structure of our brain changes during pregnancy, along with our eyeglass description and our shoe size. That most of us become more hypervigilant and more anxious isn\'t a personal failing\\u2013 it\'s a biological imperative. But while the ways motherhood has changed us may be very natural, that doesn\'t mean those transitions were always easy.\\nIn this episode we discuss how motherhood has changed us, how it\'s also made us more aware of who we always were, and how giving ourselves grace about those changes has been what has always gotten us through.\\n\\nHere are links to some research- and a few of our other episodes- that are worth your time on this topic:\\nAdrienne LaFrance: What Happens to a Woman\\u2019s Brain When She Becomes a Mother\\nFresh Take: Janice Johnson Dias on Raising Joyful, Change-Making Kids\\nFresh Take: Dr. Christine Koh On Building a Family After Adverse Childhood Experiences\\nDid We Really Do That? (Episode 48)\\n\\nSpecial thanks to this month\'s sponsors: \\nBetterhelp\\xa0Start taking charge of your mental health\\u2013 no matter where you live!\\xa0Go to\\xa0betterhelp.com/fresh\\xa0to get 10% off your first month of counseling.\\xa0\\nThe\\xa0Cozi\\xa0Family Organizer\\xa0is for anyone juggling camp schedules, practices, meetings, doctor\\u2019s appointments, and maybe a date night once in a while. Download\\xa0Cozi\\xa0for free from the app store!\\nDermafacs provides your skin with the ability to smooth your skin\'s texture and fade the appearance of damage or scars in just a few weeks. Get 15% off by going to dermafacs.com/whatfreshhell.\\nDry Farm Wines is leading the pure Natural Wine movement by sourcing wines according to the world\\u2019s strictest criteria. Get an extra bottle in your first box for a penny using at https://dryfarmwines.com/fresh\\nExpressable is an online speech therapy company that has helped thousands of children of all ages reach their communication goals. Speak with a speech-language pathologist for free\\xa0today\\xa0and learn more about your child\'s communication development at\\xa0expressable.io/fresh.\\nHappy Dance\\xa0skin care products are made with premium ingredients, including the highest quality CBD.\\xa0Get 15% off your first Happy Dance order by going to\\xa0doahappydance.com/laughing.\\xa0\\nHome Made Podcast is a new podcast about\\u2026 home. And what happens when you open that door and step into a new world, whether that\\u2019s a house, apartment or neighborhood. Find out more and listen HERE\\nJane.com\\xa0is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women\\u2019s fashion, accessories, home decor, children\\u2019s clothing, and more. By shopping at\\xa0jane.com, you support small businesses, 1500 of which are women-owned. And you will not believe the prices!\\xa0Visit\\xa0jane.com/laughing.\\nKiwiCo\\xa0projects make science, technology, engineering, art, and math super fun\\u2013\\xa0and best of all, kids of all ages can work on them independently! Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with the code MOTHERHOOD at kiwico.com.\\xa0\\nMagic\\xa0Spoon\\xa0is breakfast cereal that gets protein into your kids\\u2019 breakfast- Go to magicspoon.com/FRESH to grab a custom bundle of cereal and try it today! And be sure to use our promo code FRESH at checkout to save five dollars off your order!\\xa0\\nMamaZen is a revolutionary solution for motherhood burnout, anxiety, impatience, and more. Download MamaZen today\\u2013\\xa0and use the code "FRESH" to unlock a free trial!\\nProse\\xa0is the healthy hair regimen with your name all over it!\\xa0Get 15% off your first order today! Go to\\xa0prose.com/laughing.\\xa0\\nSuperBeets Heart Chews are a tasty treat that give you the energy you need and are good for you. Get FREE shipping and returns plus a FREE 30-day supply with your first purchase at SuperBeets.com/Fresh\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'